OHIO – A Las Vegas-based former Department of Defense contractor was extradited from Iraq to the United States to face fraud and conspiracy charges for attempting to bribe U.S. officials in order to secure government contracts for his companies.
Metin Atilan, 54, is the first person extradited from Iraq to the United States as part of a U.S.-Iraq extradition treaty signed on June 7, 1934 and entered into force in 1936.
“This historic extradition from Iraq to the United States is an example of our cooperation with law enforcement worldwide to bring fugitives to justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell. “Atilan’s return to the United States, after more than six years on the run, sends a clear message to fugitives: no matter where in the world you try to hide, we will find you, and we will prosecute you.”
Atilan, a dual U.S. and Turkish citizen, is scheduled to appear Monday U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael R. Merz in Ohio.
In a June 10, 2008 indictment, Atilan was charged with conspiracy to engage in contract fraud, conspiracy to engage in wire fraud, and wire fraud.
According to court documents, Atilan is p resident and chief executive officer of PMA Services Ltd. of Las Vegas and Kayteks Ltd. of Adna, Turkey.
Officials said Atilan was first arrested in Las Vegas on May 23, 2008. Atilan was placed on electronic monitoring pending his formal hearing before a federal judge in Dayton, Ohio. On June 15, 2008, Atilan allegedly violated the terms of his pretrial release by cutting off his electronic bracelet and fleeing the country. The government sought his extradition, and Atilan arrived in Dayton, Ohio on July 27, 2014, officials said.
In a June 10, 2008 indictment, Atilan was charged with conspiracy to engage in contract fraud, conspiracy to engage in wire fraud, and wire fraud.
According to court documents, Atilan is p resident and chief executive officer of PMA Services Ltd. of Las Vegas and Kayteks Ltd. of Adna, Turkey.
In 2006 through 2008, officials allege that Atilan offered bribes and kickbacks in order to secure contracts for businesses he owned in connection with services and construction associated with U.S. military operations in Iraq. Some of the Defense Department contracting officials who Atilan is accused of trying to bribe were stationed in Dayton, Ohio at the time.